London has reclaimed its status as the most popular searched city on the real estate platform Rightmove. A striking 58% of its residents wish to remain in the city rather than relocate elsewhere.

This shift occurs five years after the onset of the Covid pandemic, which led many individuals to seek an escape from urban living for the sake of more outdoor space to facilitate remote work. However, the situation has reversed as numerous employers are encouraging their teams to return to office environments.

In this article, three individuals from the UK share their experiences regarding their moves and discuss whether they prefer urban or rural lifestyles.

Jasmin Perry, 28, and her husband Tom quickly realized after settling into their new home in a small village close to Bath that they had made a wrong choice. “We didn’t fully consider how it would alter our lives – I think we were somewhat naive,” expressed Jasmin, who works in product marketing.

Prior to relocating to Somerset in 2022, they spent a year renting a flat in north London. In search of their first property, they found a charming three-bedroom house in a newly developed area appealing, as they deemed city living unaffordable. “We thought it would be peaceful, quaint, and idyllic – but it wasn’t,” she reflected.

The couple believed that rural living would grant them the opportunity to run and cycle more freely, but Jasmin quickly found themselves having to “drive everywhere” and felt “nervous about being hit” while cycling on rural roads. They seldom utilized their garden due to the noise from a nearby dual carriageway and were disappointed by the lack of local amenities. “The village didn’t even have a shop,” she explained. “We tried it out, but over time it became clear we weren’t content.”

In July 2023, they listed their property for sale, and six months later, they relocated to a two-bedroom apartment in a renovated pub in Twickenham, southwest London. Eager to return, the couple sold their house for £20,000 less than the purchase price.

“Our house never felt like home,” Jasmin commented. “We realized we had sacrificed too much, and what we gained didn’t align with our life’s circumstances.

“Since moving back to London, I feel gratitude every day — our mental well-being has improved, and we’re far happier. London has everything I desire. It’s vibrant and diverse. We have access to beautiful parks, a thriving cultural scene, and I feel more connected to life. If we decide to move again, it will only be a short distance away. We no longer have that restless feeling.”

For Alison, life in Greater Manchester proved to be “quite stressful,” particularly with a young family and no family nearby to assist them. She and her husband moved into a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Ramsbottom just months before the pandemic hit. “We didn’t explore much of the area for two years, and when our first child arrived in 2021, it felt like three years of lockdown with no visitors,” shared the 42-year-old solicitor.

Though the couple discovered a “vibrant” community, in 2024 Alison faced redundancy upon returning from maternity leave, prompting the family to consider relocating closer to relatives in Pendle, Lancashire. Both Alison and her husband had grown up there and believed returning would be advantageous. “We now have a lovely, old converted farmhouse in a small hamlet,” she said.

However, even with a “fantastic family home,” Alison noted that the move has made “every aspect of our lives more challenging.” Previously, a 20-minute motorway drive brought them to family, but now they faced a 10-minute journey on single-track roads “over hills and dales, which can be quite congested.” Reaching the nursery and attending medical appointments required more time, and spontaneous shopping trips became impractical.

Their previous residence was filled with local amenities like independent shops and a library, and they lived near the East Lancashire Railway, which was particularly enjoyable for her toddler who loved watching steam trains. “I think we really took our previous location for granted,” she admitted.

“I’ve lived in various cities, and reflecting on my childhood in Pendle, I realize I perhaps had an overly romanticized view. My perspective is more metropolitan now, and if we find the right opportunity, we might consider moving nearer to the city in a year or two.”

Conversely, Jane, 71, has settled on a compromise between urban and rural living after experiencing both. Originally from Canada, she moved to the UK nearly 30 years ago after marrying her husband and has resided in various locations.

“We initially lived by the seaside in Devon, having heard so many positive things about it, but the reality wasn’t always what it promised,” she commented. “I did make efforts to engage with the community – the local church was welcoming.”

Currently residing in Bristol, Jane plans to relocate to a town in Norfolk after eight years. “The congested streets filled with cars, the graffiti, and living so closely to others without truly knowing them – I’ve had my fill.

“In the past, I would have confidently identified as a city person since I enjoy culture, but at this stage in my life, perhaps due to age, I find I crave more solitude and nature. I want to see more trees and less concrete.”